Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Saturday, March 24, that P Aaron Thompson is facing a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. Ryan added that the suspension was due to "recreational drug use."

Pittsburgh Pirates SP Jeff Karstens (shoulder) could make just one more start this season Monday, Sept. 19, although he was pain-free in his most recent start Tuesday, Sept. 13. If Karstens is shut down, either Ps Aaron Thompson or Brian Burres would join the rotation for the end of the season.